"However, the preview code we'll be providing can be redeemed by 20 different qualifying accounts", Sony says.

Increased maximum Party participants from 8 to 16.

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, social media director Sid Shuman revealed Sony is now testing enhanced chat audio quality, improved network connectivity, and the ability to create and participate in parties of up to 16 people, up from the current limit of eight. Note, however, that if you participate in the preview program, you'll only be able to join parties that contain other members of the program.

So either all your friends need to join up, or don't bother.

USA testers will also get early access an English-language transcription feature that converts Party voice chat into text on the PS4 Second Screen app. Now I don't wish to blow my own trumpet but I predicted this just a few days ago when the patent for the emoji camera was found. This app allows party chat to be turned into text on the PlayStation App and allow text on the PlayStation App to be read aloud in party chat.

You can signup to become a part of the PlayStation Preview Program here to test the features above.

Sony Interactive Entertainment is recruiting PlayStation 4 system software beta testers in North America and Japan (soon in Europe) for its PlayStation Preview Program to test upcoming additional Party features, the company announced.